County Wicklow
Walk in the Wicklow Mountains, visit Glendalough’s monastery ruins and explore beaches along Ireland’s east coast.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
County Wicklow lies on Ireland’s east coast, about 50 km south of Dublin. The Wicklow Mountains fill the county’s centre, with lakes, valleys and walking routes in Wicklow Mountains National Park. At Glendalough, the ruins of a monastery founded by St Kevin sit beside the Upper Lake. The 131 km Wicklow Way crosses the mountains, and the R115 follows the old Military Road through a mountain pass.
The county’s coastline stretches for about 64 km, with beaches at Brittas Bay, Bray Strand and Greystones. Inland, visit Avoca’s working textile mill, founded in 1723, or see Poulaphouca Reservoir, Ireland’s largest artificial lake. Wicklow suits trips focused on walking, historic sites and time outdoors. Bray, Wicklow and Arklow are among its main towns. Summer highs are typically 17 to 22 °C on the coast and inland, while mountain temperatures can be 5 to 10 °C lower. Choose Glendalough for a shorter visit or add coastal stops and mountain walks for a longer trip.
County Wicklow in five
- Check the Sally Gap road before drivingThe R759 can be dangerous or impassable in winter because it is not gritted. Use another route if conditions make the crossing unsafe.
- Allow for weekend traffic on the N11/M11Southbound traffic can be heavy at weekends with visitors from Dublin. Allow extra time if you are driving along the east coast.
- Carry mountain layers for hikesMountain temperatures can be 5 to 10 °C lower than in the lowlands. Snow usually falls from December to March.
- Choose a walking route that fits your dayThe Wicklow Way crosses the mountains for 131 km. It is Ireland’s oldest waymarked long-distance walking trail, so choose a section for a day walk.
- Set aside time for GlendaloughThe monastery ruins at Glendalough are among the county’s main early Christian sites. The valley’s Irish name is Gleann Dá Loch.
Things to do in County Wicklow
See all attractions in County Wicklow
Need to know
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Entry
- Visa requirements depend on your passport; check Irish Immigration Read more
- Emergency
- 112 or 999 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected; optional for good service
- Time
- UTC+0 in winter, UTC+1 in summer
Weather by month
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryWet winter
- FebruaryWet winter
- MarchMountain snow
- AprilEasterly snow
- MayCool, humid
- JuneCool, humid
- JulyMild summer
- AugustMild summer
- SeptemberMild summer
- OctoberWettest months
- NovemberWettest months
- DecemberMountain snow
Right now in County Wicklow
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
8
- Feels like
- 6°
- Humidity
- 87%
- Wind
- 12 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
County Wicklow
08:47 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today12°3°0%Monday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue11°2°2%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 11°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Wed12°4°8%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Thu10°3°2%Thursday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Fri8°2°6%Friday: Cloudy. High 8°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Sat11°5°14%Saturday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 14%.
- Sun8°5°4%Sunday: Cloudy. High 8°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 4%.
Updated 05:58 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Before you go to County Wicklow
Plan around County Wicklow
Roads across Wicklow include the N11/M11, N81 and mountain passes.
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck Ireland’s entry requirements for your passport.
Read the guideMoney and costsPlan how to pay and manage money on your trip.
Read the guideWhere to stayChoose a base for your Ireland trip.
Read the guideCounty Wicklow FAQ
How far is County Wicklow from Dublin?
County Wicklow is about 50 km south of Dublin. The N11/M11 runs near the coast and links Dublin with Wexford.
What is the best-known place to visit in County Wicklow?
Glendalough is one of Wicklow’s main early Christian sites, with the ruins of a monastery founded by St Kevin. Its Irish name is Gleann Dá Loch.
Can you hike the Wicklow Way in one day?
The Wicklow Way is a 131 km trail across the mountains. It is a long-distance route, so choose a section if you are planning a day walk.
What is the highest mountain in County Wicklow?
Lugnaquilla is 925 metres high. It is the highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains and the highest mountain in Ireland outside County Kerry.
Is it safe to drive across the Wicklow Mountains in winter?
The Sally Gap road can be dangerous or impassable in winter because it is not gritted. Check conditions and use another route if the crossing is unsafe.